"I'm trying to keep this as positive as possible," said organizer Ginny Herman, who urged others on the Facebook page to refrain from talking about drunk driving or anything "anti-car."

An alleged drunken driver was behind the wheel of the van that struck Nalls. Blood alcohol content tests are underway, according to police, but initial reports said the driver smelled of alcohol and appeared impaired. Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman plans to hold a 1 p.m. press conference Friday to discuss charges against the driver.

Nalls wore a helmet and had lights on the front and rear of his bike, said police. A dedicated cyclist who commuted for several years while living and working in Atlanta, Nalls embraced winter cycling when he was promoted and relocated to Minneapolis recently by the Hyatt Regency.

"We didn't even get to meet him," said Herman.

Marcus Nalls Memorial Ride

* 3:30 p.m. Riders meet at the Berget Fountain in Loring Park.

* 4:30 p.m. A moment of silence at the intersection of Franklin and Garfield Avenues, where Nalls was struck.